Printing cylinder



March' 19, 1940. w. F. GRUPE PRINTING CYLINDER Filed Jan. 14, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WHHam/F- G fiupe BY s ATTORNEY I DON mm mm & mm mu E March 19, 1940. w. F. GRUPE PRINTING CYLINDER Filed Jan. 14, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNVEbITOR .Gru e W I TORNEY illiom F 6 Y H Patented Mar. 19, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ramrmo CYLINDER William F. Grupe, Lyndhurst, N. 3., assignor to Ghambon Corporation, Garfield, N.'J., a corporation of New York This invention relates to supporting cylinders for removably carrying flexible sheet material, and is particularly applicable to impression cylinders of printing presses wherein flexible print- 5 ing plates are removably stretched around respective supporting cylinders.

Among the principal objects of the invention are to provide a supporting cylinder which is adapted to carry'a flexible sheet aflixe'd to its circumferential surface; to provide a supporting cylinder which is adapted toeffect uniformity of stretching of a flexible sheet aflixed to its circumferential surface; to provide a supporting cylinder which is adapted to positively retain an affixed flexible sheet in a cylindrical position and to afford radial support for such flexible sheet over substantially its entire circumferential surface; and to provide a supporting cylinder which affords ready and convenient placement and removal of a flexible sheet about its circumferential surface.

For accomplishing the stated objects, the cy lindrical supporting structure is preferably providedin the form of two independent approximately semi-cylindrical sectors mounted on a common longitudinal central axis for limited movement relative to each other around the axis, and for cooperation with each other in receiving and securing the applied flexible sheet, specifically a printing plate.

The two semi-cylindrical sectors function cooperatively both to solidly support the applied plate over its entire surface area and to clamp the same securely in place.

Provision is made along one of the longitudinal locations of joinder of the two semi-cylindrical sectors for a zone of movement, thus permitting limited rotation of the respective sectors to provide an open line of break at the other longitudinal location of joinder, also a zone of movement of the two sectors. The open line of break serves to receive the free ends of the cylindrically conforming flexible printing plate. Rotation of the two sectors back toward normal position effects tight clamping of the received ends of the plate and uniform stretching of the entire plate to conformity with the cylindrical surface of the supporting structure. Means affording substantial continuity of circumferential surface of the supporting structure during use is provided for movement within the first-named zone of movement.

The opposing clamping ends of the two sectors may be conflgurated and/or supplied with means for effecting positive gripping of the received free ends of the printing plate.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a vertical section taken endwise through one embodiment of the present invention illustrated immediately prior to the clamping of the flexible printing plate in position on the cylindricalsupporting structure;

Fig. 2 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1, but illustrates the flexible printing plate secureli clamped in position on the supporting structure;

Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal vertical section taken on the line 33, Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 represents a longitudinal section taken on the line 4-5, Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 represents an enlarged fragmentary view taken on the line 5-5, Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 represents a vertical section taken endwise through another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. '7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6 but illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken on the line Ill-40, of Fig. 9.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 through 5 thereof, the cylindrical supporting structure illustrated comprises two substantially semi-cylindrical sectors l and II mounted for limited rotative movement relative to each other on the common longitudinal shaft l2, as by means of the plurality of mutually spaced webs l3 and I3-l, respectively, having the bearing extensions Ba and l3-la, respectively, journalecl on the shaft I2. End wall l4 may be removably secured to one end of the two sectors I0 and l I, see Fig. 5. End wall l may be rigidly mounted on the shaft l2 proximate the other end of the stated sectors, by means of the collar l5-l feathered to the shaft.

The configuration and disposition of opposing 45 end faces of respective sectors In and I I along one longitudinal location of meeting, as for instance that indicated at I6, is such that a zone of movement of the two half-cylinders is afforded for permitting limited free rotative motion of the two sectors on the shaft l2 relative to each other.

In the present embodiment such end faces are provided with a plurality of mutually parallel extending plates Ilia. and l Ia,.respective1y, spaced evenly and arranged in sets on respective faces, 55

the two sets being interrelated for sliding interaction in providing substantial continuity of circumferential surface of the cylindrical supporting structure at all times, as well as affording free rotative movement of the two sectors within the limits of the zone provided by the extensions of the respective plates.

For actuating the two sectors on the common shaft l2, and within the thus afforded zone of limited rotative movement, to produce an open line of break, see I! Fig. 1, between the opposing end, i. e., jaw faces 10b and llb of the respective sectors l and I! along the other longitudinal location of meeting, mechanism operable from an end of the cylindrical supporting structure is provided.

The mechanism preferably comprises two mutually parallel, longitudinal supporting bars or shafts l8 and i9 extending, respectively, through the length of the sectors In and II, respectively, and mounted for free rotative movement in the webs I3 and I3l, respectively, at locations between the axis and the opposing clamping jaw faces 10b and Nb, respectively. Short shafts 29, each having one end threaded in the longitudinal supporting bar I8 and having the other end extending through, in journaled relationship with, the longitudinal supporting bar l9, serve to connect the two stated supporting bars at locations between the spaced webs l3 and l3-l. The supporting bar i9 is appropriately recessed for receiving the retaining collars 2| and the extending portions of short shafts 20 are formed to provide the pinions 20b. A shaft 23 extends longitudinally through the sector H, passing through the apertures 23l, see Fig. 4, provided in the webs l3, and being journaled adjacent the pinions 20b in the carrier elements 24, the latter being mounted for free movement on the shaft I9 to afford movement of the shafts 23 and I9 relative to each other. The shaft 23 carries rigidly thereon at spaced locations the worms 25 for meshing engagement with the pinions 20b. The

shaft 23 extends at one end through the end wall [4, and terminates in the male formation 26 which may be protected by the removable housing 21.

The above described mechanism is actuated,

manually by a key (not shown) cooperating with the male formation 26 in eifecting rotation of the shaft 23. The worms 25 rotate the shafts 20 in a direction depending upon the direction of rotation of the shaft 23 for displacing the longitudinal supporting bars I8 and I9 towards or away from each other as the case may be. The stated supporting bars, so actuated, carry with them the sectors I0 and H for creating or closing the open line of break I! between opposing end, i. e., jaw faces 10b and Ilb of the respective sectors. By reason of the provision for movement of the shaft 23 relative to shaft l9 and for free rotative movementof the shafts l8 and I9, the described mechanism adapts to the changing positions of the respective sectors.

A flexible sheet of material such as the flexible printing plate 28 may be positionedon the cylindrical supporting structure under conditions of the existence of the open line of break I! between sectors. The plate 28 is positioned to conform to the cylindrical configuration of the supporting structure with its free ends bent over and in-" serted between the jaw faces lllb and lib, the sheet being dimensioned to provide the necessary degree of slack at this stage of the positioning operation.

Upon actuation of the mechanism, as aforedescribed, 'to close the open line of break H, the free ends 28a and 28b of the plate are securely clamped between the opposing jaw faces lllb and llb, as indicated at 29, Fig. 2.

The printing cylinder, in practice, dips into a body of ink during operation. For preventing flow of ink to the interior of the supporting structure gasket means may be supplied between the ends of the supporting structure and the respective end plates. Accordingly, the inner faces of the end plates l4 and [5 may be circumferentially recessed, as at [4a and lie; the ring gaskets 30 and 3|, respectively, may be disposedtherein.

It should be noted that, because of the provision for actuation of the two sectors substantially radially outward from their common axes, a uniform stretching of the plate over the entire circumferential surface of the supporting structure is attained, resulting in the formation of, and the maintaining of, the plate as a true cylinder at all times. Because of the efficient clamping action of the jaw faces and the symmetrical actuation of the two sectors, the longitudinal line of joinder of the ends 28a and 28b of the plate is imperceptible to all practical effect.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 6; the two sectors Ill and H are mounted for limited rotative motion relative to each other on the common shaft 52', and are provided with a zone of movement It, all as in the case of the structure of the prior figures. In the present embodiment, however, actuation of the two sectors is accomplished through the medium of the twolongitudinal shafts 33 and 34 rotatably mounted in the sectors I0 and II, respectively, and connected at intervals along their lengths by the links 35. The

shaft 34 is arranged to be rotated from one end of the supporting structure, as in the case of shaft 23 of the prior figures, and has rigidly mounted thereon, at locations of link connections, the eccentrics 36 for cooperation'with the I links 35 in providing for creation or closure of an open line of break between the opposing aw faces MD and Nb upon rotation of the stated shaft. 1

The opposing jaw faces lflb and Ill) may be configurated as illustrated, permitting a clasping bend of the joined ends of the flexible plate 28 therearound, as indicated at 31.

In the embodiment of Fig. 7, two sectors 40 configurated to mutually provide a wedge opening 43.

Means independent of the two sectors and of the supporting structure are provided for effecting substantial continuity of cylindrical supporting surface during operation of the cylinder.

Such means may comprise a wedge block 44 movable radially in the zone of interaction between opposing end faces 40a and Ma. Short: shafts 45 are spaced along the length of the wedge-block 44, each beingthreaded at one end in the wedge block 44 for adjustment therein, and ,being journaled at the other end in the longitudinal shaft 46, rotatably mounted in the extensions 41a of the web members 41. Pinions 48 secured to those ends of short-shafts 45 which extend through and from the longitudinal shaft 43, mesh with worms 49 appropriately spaced and rigidly secured on the longitudinal shaft 50. The shaft 50 is rotatably supported in carrier elements 5|, and extends from the cylindrical supporting structure at one end thereof for bein rotated manually.

Rotation of shaft 50 either raises or lowers the wedge block 44, depending upon the direction of shaft rotation, for effecting openingor closing of the jaw faces 40b and Mb.

Mutually coordinating longitudinal grooves 52 and. 53 may be provided intermediate the edges of the jaw faces 40b and Mb, respectively, for cooperation, together with the rod insert 54, in effecting positive gripping of the ends of the flexible sheet 42 along the longitudinal line' of meeting thereof.

As illustrated in Fig. 8 the wedge block, here designated 45, may be actuated by means of eccentrics 55 mounted at intervals along the length of longitudinal shaft 56, which extends from the cylindrical supporting structure at one end for being manually rotated. Rotation of the shaft 56 either effects driving home of the wedge 45' for clamping the free ends of the flexible sheet 42 together and for providing substantial continuity of cylindrical supporting surface, or affords free movement of the wedge block 45 out of the zone of movement when the two sectors are manually separated.

The embodiment of Fig. 9 operates according to the general principle of the operations of the embodiments of Figs. '7 and 8. A wedge block 51, however, extending interiorly of the cylindrical supporting structure from the zone of interaction of the two sectors 58 and 59, is actuated by eccentrics 60 disposed at intervals along the length of the common shaft 6|. Rotation of the shaft 6|, while the two sectors remain stationary relative thereto, effects either driving home of the wedge 51 into the zone of movement between the two sectors by means of the eccentrics '60, or aifords freedom of movement of the wedge 51 out of the zone of movement when the two sectors are manually separated.

For effecting positive locking of the ends of the flexible plate 62 by the supporting structure, alternate slots 63 and extending fingers 64, see Fig. 10, may be provided intermediate the edges of each jaw face- 58a and 59a along the length thereof. Spacing of the alternate slots and fingers of respective jaw faces and disposition of the one set relative to the other, are arranged for affording cooperation of extending fingers of one jaw face with the slots of the opposing jaw face and with coordinating perforations provided in the joined ends of the flexible plate 62, to attain the positive locking desired when the wedge 51 is driven home.

Any of the aforedescribed means for positively gripping or looking the joined ends of the applied flexible plate may be provided proximate the opposing end faces of the sectors affording the open line of break for the reception of such joined ends, in combination with any one of the aforedescribed mechanisms for actuating the sectors.

Whereas this invention has been described with reference to several of its preferred forms, it is to be distinctly understood that various changes may be made from time to time as the art progresses without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

drical sectors mounted in substantially cylindrical formation about a common longitudinal axis for limited rotative motion around said axis simultaneously in opposite directions, said sectors being adapted to move relative to each other ,within two longitudinal zones,"one of said zones serving to receive the ends of a flexible sheet for clamping between the opposing longitudinal sector end faces which define said one zone, means operable within the other of said zones for completing the cylindrical support for said sheet, and means for effecting said simultaneous rotation of said sectors about their common axis.

2. In supporting structure for a flexible sheet, two mutually similar approximately semi-cylindrical sectors mounted in substantially cylindrical formation about a common longitudinal axis for limited rotative motion around said axis simultaneously in opposite directions, said sectors being adapted to move relative to each other within two longitudinal zones which are substantially 180 apart, one of said zones serving to receive the ends of a flexible sheet for clamping between the opposing longitudinal sector end faces which define said one zone, interrelated means secured'to and extending alternately from respective opposing longitudinal end faces which define said other zone, said means interacting during said limited rotative movement of the said sectors and serving to complete the cylindrical support for said sheet, and means for effecting said simultaneous rotation of said sectors about their common axis.

3. In supporting structure for a flexible sheet, two mutually similar approximately semi-cylindrical sectors mounted in substantially cylindrical formation about a common longitudinal axis for limited rotative motion around said axis simultaneously in opposite directions, said sectors being adapted to move relative to each other within two longitudinal zones, one of said zones serving to receive the ends of a flexible sheet for clamping between the opposing longitudinal sector end faces which define said one zone, means independent of said sectors and. operable within the other of said zones for completing the cylindrical support for said sheet, and means for effecting said simultaneous rotation of said sectors about their common axis.

4. In supporting structure for a flexible sheet, two mutually similar approximately semi-cylindrical sectors mounted in substantially cylindrical formation about a common longitudinal axis for limited rotative motion around said axis siclamping between the opposing longitudinal sector end faces which define said one zone, means operable within the other of said zones for completing the cylindrical support for said sheet, means for effecting said simultaneous rotation of said sectors about their common axis, and locking means disposed within said one zone and operative to positively retain the received ends of said flexible sheet in clamped position.

5. Structure as recited in claim 4 wherein the stated locking means comprise alternate extending fingers and recessed slots in each of the 1ongitudinal end faces, the extending fingers of one face being positioned for locking coordination with the recessed slots of the other face.

6. In supporting structure for a flexible sheet, two mutually similar approximately semi-cylindrical sectors mounted in substantially cylindrical formation about a common longitudinal axis for limited rotative motion around said axis simultaneously in opposite directions, said sectors being adapted to move relative to each other within two longitudinal zones, one of said zones serving to receive the ends of a flexible sheet for clamping between the opposing longitudinal sector end faces which define said one zone, a wedge block movable into and out of the other zone, the longitudinal sector end faces which define said other zone sloping toward each other to provide a wedge opening diverging inwardly of the cylinder for receiving said wedge block, and means for moving said wedge block into and out of the wedge opening of said other zone.

7. In supporting structure for a flexible sheet, arcuate sectors mounted about a common longitudinal axis to form substantially a cylinder in which a longitudinal zone is defined between opposing longitudinal end faces of mutually adjacent sectors in providing for the reception of ends of a flexible sheet, said adjacent sectors being mounted for limited rotative motion about said axis and within said zone simultaneously in opposite directions, means operable between other opposing longitudinal end faces of said sectors and located substantially 180 from said longitudinal zone for completing the cylindrical support of the flexible sheet when the ends thereof are clamped between said longitudinal end faces,

and means for simultaneously rotating said mutually adjacent sectors about their common axis for clamping and unclamping said ends of the flexible sheet.

8. In supporting structure for a flexible sheet, two mutually similar approximately semi-cylindrical sectors mounted in substantially cylindrical formation about a common longitudinal axis for limited rotative motion around said axis simultaneously in opposite directions, said sectors being adapted to move relative to each other within two longitudinal zones, one of said zones serving to receive the ends of a flexible sheet for clamping between the opposing longitudinal sector end faces which define said one zone, means operable within the other of said zones for completing the cylindrical support for said sheet, a longitudinal shaft journaled in one sector, a longitudinal shaft journaled in the other sector adjacent the first named longitudinal shaft, threaded means interconnecting said two longitudinal shafts at intervals along their lengths, worm gears secured, respectively, to said thread 'ed means, a longitudinal drive shaft articulatively journaled adjacent said two longitudinal shafts, worms mounted on said drive shaft, meshing, respectively with said worm gears, and means carried by said drive shaft for efiecting rotation thereof, said rotation effecting said simultaneous limited rotative motion of said sectors.

' WILLIAM F. GRUPE. 

